Researchers from CIMA and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra develop a prototype vaccine against COVID-19
The Project has been completed thanks to funding from the Regional Government of Navarre among other institutions and solidarity initiatives

PhotoManuel Castells/Professionals from Cima and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra who participate in the project.
21 | 10 | 2021
A multidisciplinary group of researchers from Cima and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra has developed a prototype vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 whose efficacy has been confirmed in an animal model of the disease. The results of this study have led to the registration of a patent, which facilitates its preclinical and clinical development.
Most of the anti-COVID vaccines on the market use the entire S protein of the virus (responsible for the interaction of the virus with cells). “In this research we have identified minimal fragments of the S protein in the serum of patients who have attended the Clinica, that are capable of activating a response that protects against infection. After selecting the most relevant area, we have designed a vaccine that induces antibodies in a targeted manner in this area exclusively” explains Drs Juan José Lasarte and Pablo Sarobe, Director and principal researcher of the Immunology and Immunotherapy Program at CIMA, University of Navarra.
Vaccine based on synthetic peptides
The vaccine developed at Cima is based on the use of synthetic peptides. "By using a very small fragment of the virus, the vaccine can be prepared by chemical synthesis. This model offers the advantage of being a homogeneous and stable process, and uses a very simple technology that allows easy adaptation to the sequence of possible new variants. Its stability also facilitates its distribution to areas where there is no infrastructure for conserving vaccines in special freezers," the scientists point out.
The scientists have demonstrated in animal models that this vaccine protects against lethal infection of the virus. It also recognizes both the original Wuhan variant and the most important variants that have emerged during the pandemic. The work has been published in the latest issue of the specialized journal Emerging Microbes and Infections.
“The aim of this vaccine is not to compete with available vaccines, but given its ease of development it can be used as an alternative in countries that do not yet have access to a COVID-19 vaccine", say the Cima researchers.
Vaccine development experience
These results were obtained thanks to the experience of Cima's Vaccine Development group and after a year and a half of specific research on SARS-CoV-2. "At the beginning of the pandemic, we realized that we had to contribute our knowledge to the field of vaccines against this virus".
They started the research with their own funds and with funding from events, such as that of Aizkolari (Axeman) Iker Vicente (from Navarre), who organized a sports event to raise funds to fight this disease. "Also, in May 2020, we obtained funding of €81,021 from the Regional Government of Navarre, in a call for proposals that was previously positively evaluated by the Carlos III Health Institute," Drs. Lasarte and Sarobe recall.